The Rise and Fall of the French Air Force: French Air Operations and Strategy 1900-1940

[Orwell1984]

Coincidentally I have just finished reading this book. I'd highly recommend it for anyone interested in the development of French air power and the evolution of their aircraft leading up to World War Two. It's the best work I've found in English and the author makes extensive use of French primary sources in his work. It should be noted that this book is not primarily a history of the 1940 campaign so there is no indepth, day by day analysis of combat actions. What is does do is look at how policy and doctorine shaped how the French responded and acted in the air during that campaign, the type of aircraft they used and how they used them, how they were organized and how they responded to the changing fortunes of that campaign.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Orwell

Since the 1930s decisions are pretty well known, I am more interested in finding out what the book has to say about the period 1900-1920/25. Especially the period 1900-1910 would be very interesting. What was the French thinkings during the Great War and immediately post that conflict?
Also why did it take so long for the French to create an independent Air Force?

If the 1930s is the main topic and unless the author has come up with something revolutionary to say regarding the disastrous 1939-40 conflict, I must say I will pass this one over...

Cheers
Stig